Lockyer injured again as Broncos outlast Cowboys<br>*UPDATED*

The Brisbane Broncos have stamped their authority on the top eight folllowing a spirited 24-16 victory over the North Queensland Cowboys in front of a sell-out crowd at Dairy Farmers Stadium in Townsville tonight.

Billed as the Queensland derby, the match lived up to expectations as the Broncos put together a polished first-half attacking display to lead 24-4 at the break.

The Cowboys fought back strongly in the second half to score 12 unanswered points.

But the visitors held on thanks to a first half lead inspired by Broncos skipper Darren Locker.

Celebrating his record 275th appearance for the Broncos, Lockyer was sensational in attack in the opening 40 minutes, but the win may have come at a price with the champion five eighth being forced from the field late in the match with a serious knee injury.

UPDATE:
Brisbane skipper Darren Lockyer has been ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.
Scans confirmed that Lockyer ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in the Broncos' 24-16 win over the Cowboys and will require a knee reconstruction.

LeagueUnlimited.com Player of the Match
3 Points: Darren Lockyer (Broncos)
2 Points: Ben Hannant (Broncos)
1 Point: Matthew Bowen (Cowboys)
LeagueUnlimited.com Live Commentary
A great night for footy in FNQ tonight. Big crowd on hand for one the NRL's classic derbies.
Players on the field.
A landmark match for Darren Lockyer who is set to play a record 275 games for the Broncos.
Broncos to kick off.
KICK OFF!

5 min: Cowboys absorbing the early pressure with the Broncos getting repeat sets at the Cowboy's line.

14 min: TRY North Queensland Cowboys
Winger Ashley Graham scores out wide following some quick passing along the backline, the Cowboys' first real opportunity down the Bronco's end of the field. Conversion attempt by Ashley Graham hits the uprights and is unsuccessful.
Brisbane Broncos 6-4

18 min: TRY Brisbane Broncos
Steve Michaels is on the end of a Broncos roll on, finishing the movement to score in good position. Conversion attempt by Corey Parker successful.
Brisbane Broncos 12-4

53 min: TRY North Queensland Cowboys
Graham gets a double, capitalising on a backline movement out wide and then improves his position to score behind the uprights. Follows repeat sets at the Broncos line. Conversion attempt by Ashley Graham successful.
Brisbane Broncos 24-10

65 min: Cowboys still on the comeback trail but a kick out on the full from Bowen puts the Broncos back on the attack. Cowboys hold out the Broncos.

70 min: Lockyer limping. Probably a cramp.
Even possession with field position favouring the Cowboys. But time is running out.

72 min: Thurston and Bowen putting on a show in attack but the Broncos defence in equal to the task with Thurston being tackled over the sideline.

75 min: Lockyer still in trouble. Looking like it might be the right knee again. Worse than first thought.
Lockyer forced from the field.

77 min: Cowboys launch what might their last real attacking raid. Playing catch up and the Cowboys lose posssession.

Full time Broncos 24-16
Defending premiers Brisbane continue their winning run with their fifth victory on the trot, applying the blow torch to the top four. The Cowboys now in danger of slipping out of the top four.
Broncos five eighth Darren Lockyer was tremendous in the first half, setting up numerous attacking raids. Cowboys fullback Matt Bowen did his best to get the Cowboys back in the match in the second half.
Special mention to Broncos prop Ben Hannant who put in a sterling effort in defence and plenty of yards with the ball in hand.